Man with a sweet job-- For decades, ex-president, CEO dedicated his life work to improve the quality of sugar cane

Christy Espinosa / <a href=www.valleystar.com>Valley Morning Star

Jack Nelson stands in front the warehouse where the remainder of the sugar cane sits on the floor in Santa Rosa. Nelson was named Sugar Man of the Year for his contribution to the nation’s sugar industry. By TONY VINDELL tonyv@valleystar.com 956-430-6203

Working for the sugar cane industry for more than four decades has given Jack Nelson the thrill of his life.

Before retiring as president and chief executive officer of Rio Grande Sugar Growers Inc., Nelson received the Dyer Memorial Award Sugar Man of the Year for his contribution not only to the sugar cane industry in the Valley and the United States.

Nelson, who lives in Harlingen, said he was honored to get such a distinction.

He said being selected as the 2002 recipient meant competing again about 350,000 people who work for the industry nationwide.

"It’s a great honor to get this award," he said, "because you never figure you are going to get it."

This is the 45th time the award, named after B.W. Dyer, a sugar broker from New York City, has been given out since the first Sugar Man of the Year was recognized back in 1958.

"Your activities in the local community have been consistent with your steeling contribution to the sugar industry," read parts of citation Nelson received in May in New York City. "For over 43 years you have repeatedly distinguished yourself as a pioneer, scholar, innovator, agronomy expert and highly respected sugar industry leader."

Nelson, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlingen, has volunteered countless hours to many organizations.

Nelson’s career with the sugar industry began in 1960.

He worked for the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association, helped developed the Amarah Cane Sugar Project in Iraq and worked at Ingenio Riopaila in Colombia.

His career in the Valley began more than 30 years ago and he has since dedicated about half f of his life working to improve the quality of sugar cane for the sugarhouse owned by Valley growers.

Nelson said the Valley sugar industry began with 25,000 acres, compared to the 48,000 acres cultivated today.

He said one of the things that makes him feel proud is the fact that he is leaving a highly productive crop and operations.

Nelson said growers produced one of the best years during the 2002-03 season, and although it was wasn’t compared to the bumper crop they harvested three years ago, this one was the best in sugar content.

He said he received the award while he was still on board at the sugarhouse and plans to retire later this year.

But he is not about to throw in the towel.

"I am going to work on a consultant basis," he said.

"I will be doing that here in Santa Rosa as well as in Guatemala, Venezuela and other places where I am needed.

"I am in pretty good shape to call it quits."

Slice of Life suggestions should be sent to City Editor Dave Ralph or Managing Editor Lucio Castillo by phoning 430-6206 or at davidr@valleystar.com.